View Structure - syddyd/Tree-Platformer GitHub Wiki

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Here's a breakdown of typical elements in a game’s view structure and their purposes:

1. Splash Screen: This is the first screen that appears when the game is launched. It often displays the logos of the game developer and publisher, and sometimes a brief animation. Its purpose is to establish brand identity and also to signal the game's initiation.
2. Title/Main Menu Screen: This is usually the gateway to the game. It presents options like 'Start Game', 'Load Game', 'Settings', and sometimes 'Credits'. This screen is crucial as it's where the player makes their initial choices about how to interact with the game.
3. Options/Settings Screen: This screen allows players to customize their gaming experience according to their preferences. It typically includes settings for graphics, audio, controls, and gameplay mechanics. Customization can enhance player engagement and satisfaction.
4. Credits Screen: This screen lists the names of the people and entities involved in the game's creation. It's a way to acknowledge the work of the developers and is often accessed from the main menu or shown at the end of the game.
5. Game Screen: The central part of the View Structure, this is where the actual gameplay takes place. It includes the 3D environment the player interacts with, the user interface (UI) like health bars, maps, inventory, and any other interactive elements. The game screen is critical as it is where the player spends most of their time and is key to the gaming experience.
6. Pause/In-Game Menu: Accessed usually by pressing a pause button during gameplay, this menu allows players to resume the game, access settings, save the game, or return to the main menu. It's essential for allowing players to take breaks and make adjustments without leaving the game environment.
7. Cutscenes/Story Screens: Used in many narrative-driven games, these screens present the story to the player, often using cinematic sequences or dialogues. They are crucial for storytelling and enhancing the immersive experience of the game.
8. Loading Screens: These screens appear during the game's loading processes. They may display tips, lore, or simply entertaining graphics to engage the player during these necessary waits.
9. End Game Screen: This appears once the game is completed or when the player's character dies. It often offers options to restart, return to the main menu, or sometimes view scores and achievements.
10. Multiplayer/Lobby Screens: In multiplayer games, these screens are where players can join or host games, chat with other players, and select game modes or maps.
11. Intro/Prologue Screen: This screen sets the stage for the game's narrative. It might include a cinematic sequence, narrated backstory, or a series of images and texts that provide context to the game's world and story. This helps in immersing the player into the game's universe before the actual gameplay begins.
12. Character Selection/Creation Screen: In games where players can choose or create a character, this screen is vital. It allows players to select a character or customize their avatar's appearance, abilities, and sometimes even backstories, which is key to personalizing the gaming experience.
13. Tutorial Screen: These screens are used to teach players the basics of the game mechanics. They might be interactive, guiding players through the controls and objectives in a controlled setting, or they could be informational, presenting instructions and tips in text or video form.
14. Achievements/Trophies Screen: Many games include a section where players can view the achievements or trophies they have earned. This screen often lists all possible achievements and indicates which ones have been completed, providing players with additional goals and extending the game's replay value.
15. Leaderboards/High Scores Screen: In competitive games, this screen displays player rankings based on scores or other metrics. It adds a competitive edge and can encourage players to improve their skills to climb the rankings.
16. Social/Community Screen: In games with a strong online component, there might be a screen dedicated to social interactions. This could include friends lists, messaging systems, forums, or news about the game and its community.
17. Downloadable Content (DLC)/Expansion Screen: Games that offer additional content for purchase or download might include a screen where players can browse, purchase, and download this content. This screen keeps the game up-to-date with new features, levels, characters, and storylines.
18. Mod Management Screen: The primary function of a Mod Screen is to provide players with an interface to view, activate, deactivate, and manage all the mods they have installed for the game. This includes sorting, categorizing, and possibly even updating mods.

Each element of the View Structure plays a vital role in navigating the game, providing necessary information, enhancing the storyline, and customizing the gaming experience, thereby making the game more engaging and user-friendly.

graph TD
A[Splash Screen] -->|Proceed| B[Prologue Screen]
B --> C[Main Menu Screen]
C -->|Select Options| D[Options Screen]
C -->|Start Game| E[Loading Screen]
D --> C
E --> F[Game Screen]
F -->|Access Inventory| G[Inventory Screen]
F -->|View Map| H[Map Screen]
F -->|Visit Shop| I[Shop Screen]
G --> F
H --> F
I --> F

• An example of a possible game view structure.